Canaval at Carnaby Street

I am registered with Carnaby Streets newsletter which means I receive emails whenever there is something going on in one of Londons most fashionable Streets. Carnaby Street has changed rapidly over the years. From being a fashion hot spot in the 1960's to a junk filled mish mash in the 1980's, it seems prosperity and fashion have returned once more with designer labels once more resident up and down the street. Unlike upmarket Bond Street where the shops are Versace, Armani and the like, Carnaby Street is far more for the every day wear with shops including Energie, Merc, Ben Sherman, Relay, Levi as well as dozens of boutique style establishments.

Twice a year they throw a carnival style party in the street with those that receive the newsletter offered a 20% discount on the entire street (subject to ommissions). 20% is huge, especially in this time of economic slowdown. In addition to the discount many stores offered free drinks. So I met Dusan and we kicked off in Relay with a complimentary glass of Champagne while we looked at some fabulous swimwear that potentially was a little pricey but take off the discount and voila, you have yourself a bargin. Don't you just love a bargin? With the first bags on our arms we headed to Energie and enjoyed a Bottle of Budweiser, again complementary. I sometimes wonder why shops dont offer you a drink more often. You spend far longer in the store when you have something to drink and the longer you are in the store, the more you are likely to spend. Eyed up several lovely tops and some potential flip flops.

From here it was over to Gala where their new summer collection of trainers took my eye. We wandered up some of the side streets and then over to Kingley Court to the Made in Brazil Store. A specialist boutique selling clothes with a distint Rio feel. The lovely servers offered us another glass of Champagne while we browsed and tried some things on and then a nice tropical fruit shot. Finally we ended up back in Energie to purchase the items we had been browseing. Leaving shortly before nine laiden with bags, it was one of those evenings where you just leave on a high having purchased loads of lovely things. Well in the words of Patsie Stone, "You can never have too many Hats, Clothes or Handbags". Besides, how many times do you go out shopping but can never find something that either fits or you like?

Looking forward to the next night they hold and wondering what we will do when all of the 2 for 1 vouchers dissapear. Since January it seems ever restaurant you go to has offered for for the price of one. Does anyone still pay retail?